Runner Runner, the Marathon Winner

It's been about a week since my last post, so I'm getting back into the swing of things with not taking too long to find you guys new stuff to listen to. Still though, I do appreciate your patience, and even though I seem to say it every time I post, I think that you guys should be acknowledged because I know how hard it can be to wait for something new, especially when the gorgeous weather outside (at least here in Atl) is just begging for some awesome summer music to fill the air.

And it's summer music I have found in Runner Runner, a brilliant electro/pop-rock band out of Huntington Beach, California. Now I know that California is just saturated with skate-punk and hardcore groups, and many of them I like very much, but sometimes you just need a change of pace, and that's something Runner Runner certainly delivers. A talented five-piece consisting of Ryan Ogren (lead vocals), Peter Munters (guitar and vocals), Nick Bailey (guitar and vocals), Jon Berry (bass and vocals) and James Ulrich (drums), Runner Runner's tunes are such brilliantly conceived pop beauties that there's no way that you won't come away humming the melodies until you fall asleep. Sometimes pop-rock is really cheesy and over-produced, and when it gets to that point, it almost certainly ruins what might have been a great song or album. Here though, Runner Runner has concocted an elaborate song format, almost ensuring that none of the songs sound like the typical bubblegum-pop, but ride perfectly along the line between pop-rock and pop-punk, blurring the divider, and delivering a KO punch to your medulla oblongata. Seriously, it's impossible to be in a bad mood while listening to any of these songs, and that's just what you want to feel over the summer. 

Though I'd love to talk ad nauseam about all the songs on Runner Runner's playlist, I'll pick the best three, as usual, that are just the must-hears of the bunch (though your ears would smile if you treat them to the whole list). The first track I listen to is "So Obvious," and it's blatantly so obvious that this song has the punch and the staying power to be a brilliant first single for the band. Halfway in between a great pop-rock song and a great dance-rock song, "So Obvious" boasts brilliant smooth vocals from Ogren and fantastic backing vocals from the rest of the band. Ogren's vocals are sharp and melodic at the same time, and balanced over the fantastic guitar interplay between Munters and Bailey, delivering a melody that will stick with you at least for the next 14 hours. The song is compounded, then, by the great dynamic between the rhythm section, as Ulrich's drums keep your heart rate elevated, and Berry's bass lines keep every bone in your body from staying still.  This is just a fantastic track, and certainly one of the five-star tracks present in the playlist. And in case you were wondering, the acoustic version of it is just as brilliant. 

The second track I pick to listen to is "21" and immediately I'm glad I picked it. Right from the first second, I'm struck by the rhythmic guitar chords that land me somewhere between garage-rock and pop-punk, and Bailey and Munters certainly start the song off on a positive note (no pun intended lol). Berry's bass and Ulrich's drums are scaled back slightly here, but still present, and the song prevails for it. Ogren's vocals are amazing, and sung in such a brilliant fashion that I, with my non-melodic voice haha, try and replicate them because they are just so addictive. Aside from that, this song boasts an awesome guitar solo with great rhythm by Bailey and Munters, and a piano riff that brings romance to the forefront of thought and feeling. The lyrics, too, are top-notch, and I readily award this song five stars. If you're looking for a song to play at any dance that's got just the message you want buried in a shining musical performance, this is it. I can only imagine that hearing this song live is amazing.

The last track I'll let myself splurge on about is the pop-punk sounding "Hate the Way (I'm Falling for You)." This song isn't a complicated one: it's straight forward pop-punk-rock with a running drum beat and a great sing-along chorus. Ogren's right on top of his vocals, and Bailey and Munters are having a blast with their guitar interplay. I particularly love the rhythm section here: among melodies provided by the other three, Berry's bass just keeps things moving, and Ulrich's drums tell you when to jump and bang your head. Not an overly complicated song, and that my friends is the beauty in it. Simple is brilliant, and when you find something that works, well, why fix something when it's not broken? 

Runner Runner is as of yet unsigned (at least that's what their sites say), but I don't think that status will stay like that for long. Record labels would have to be dead in the head to pass up this kind of talent. There is so much raw talent out there that you're bound to find tons of amazing musicians, yes, but no two artists or groups are alike, so why would anyone want to pass any of them up? I have no idea, but like I say in almost every post I write, if I had my own label, I'd sign these guys in a heartbeat. One day I will have one, and those other labels better watch out, because I'm the kind of person that will sign talent where ever I see it, and if that drives me into the ground economically, then so be it. Talent deserves to be acknowledged, pure and simple. Anyway if you haven't heard of these guys yet, you will. I'd bet my left kidney that they'll be playing Warped Tour in the next few years to come. But don't wait, because if you like anything melodic or rock, and you're looking for a new band to play at the beach or when the sun is shining, here they are, straight out of California: Runner Runner is my pick for the marathon winner. 

Sounds Like: Boys Like Girls, Cobra Starship, Metro Station, All Time Low, Forever the Sickest Kids

Key Tracks from Runner Runner: "So Obvious," "21," "Hate the Way (I'm Falling for You)," Hey Ally," "The Breakup Song"

Check out Runner Runner more at: http://www.myspace.com/runnerrunnermusic, http://www.runnerrunnermusic.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/runnerrunner?ref=ts#!/runnerrunner?v=wall&ref=ts   

The Tide's Coming in with Blackwater James

For a few weeks now I've been letting you guys know that I've been taking a bit of a break, recharging my batteries and creative senses, and you all have been more than patient with me. For that, I do thank you all, as I know how much a pain waiting can actually be.

As we speak, I'm sitting here in a chair, on the balcony of a hotel in Destine, Florida, overlooking the beach and waves, but after hearing this new band, I feel like I'm right back in the grind of the machine, scraping the grit of the road. This group brings me home to Atlanta, to Memphis, to L.A., and to every other city with a grind that just takes it right out of you. Today's stars of the South, the North, and everywhere in between are Blackwater James, a sick blues-rock/hard-rock quartet from Nashville, Tennessee. But don't let that fool you. These guys might have a bit of a twang, but it's got hard grit and attitude, and the guitar solos just melt your face down to your shoes, which themselves are burned into the ground. These guys (and girl) could probably drink Ted Nugent under the table, and even if they couldn't, they sure sound like they can hold their own against the Cat Scratch King. 

Composed of Christopher James (lead vocals and guitar), Deanna Passarella (guitar and vocals), Josh Burns (bass and vocals), and Todd Schlosser (drums and vocals), Blackwater James delivers a mace-lined punch to the gut that bleeds influences from Zeppelin, Sabbath, GN'R, and AC/DC. 

Now I'm not pretentious enough to think I discovered these guys first, though I'd be thrilled if I did. No, these guys have been the subject of many other articles and reviews, but that's okay, it just means that they're getting the recognition they rightly deserve. According to their Myspace page, Blackwater James is currently putting the final touches on their debut EP which should be out sometime this summer, but that's just too far away for me, so I'm gonna talk about their sick tunes right here and now. Buckle up, it's gonna be a trip.

The first song the comes at me from the speakers is "Midnight Train." This song just drips Southern swagger and hard-rock balls and attitude. Anyone out there who thinks that chicks can't be as hard-rock as any guy, get in line for me to smack you, because Passarella's fretwork is top-notch, and locks brilliantly with James's hardcore blues riffs. If everything else sucked, this song would still rock like hell thanks to the raging guitars. But everything else doesn't suck; it all rocks. James's vocals are smooth and powerful and meld harshly and fantastically with the others' backing tones. Among James's and Passarella's pickslides and warp-speed guitar solos are Burns's bass and Schlosser's drums. Both powerful forces to be reckoned with, Burns's bass just stomps you in the eardrums and throat until you cant seen straight, while Schlosser's drums just totally decapitate the rest of your senses. "Midnight Train" is just a totally sick song and automatically my favorite from the beginning.

Track two for me is "Stone Cold," a song that, like the previous one, relies heavily on a hardcore guitar riff to carry you through four minutes of madness and rock. Though the title reminds me vaguely of the Queen song, whose title is similar, these guys are no Queen ripoffs. This shit is pure, straight-up rock and roll. I love James's vocals, and the way his and Passarella's guitars deliver an AC/DC-inspired series of licks just leaves me salivating for more. Burns's bass is pounding hard in the background, and picks up pace to provide a stage for James's voice as Schlosser's drums fade just slightly, but for good reason, as a shining solo shoots through the speaks and lodges itself in my brain. Five stars, easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.

The last song for me right now is "All Fired Up," and by the time I get to this one, that's what I am. This song is simple hard-rock brilliance. Just a "havin' a good time" track that's a must for any roadtrip or concert, "All Fired Up" is similar in make to is predecessors: just hardcore guitar riffs, ripping vocals, and crashing drums on top of pounding bass lines. This song is just all around good rock music. 

I'm going to stop myself there, because if I go on any further, all I'm gonna do is spoil the rest for you guys, and I'd hate myself for that. Go check these guys out. They're hardcore, sleazy, gritty, and right from the street and bar scene, and their music shows it. If you like anything AC/DC, Zeppelin, of Guns N' Roses, you won't be sorry for taking time out of your day for these guys. Better get to 'em now, because six months down the road, they'll be as big as Buckcherry and Puddle of Mudd. No way in the world the won't be. Hard-rock is still alive and kickin', and it now goes by the name Blackwater James.

Sounds Like: Buckcherry, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Puddle of Mudd, Airbourne, Guns N' Roses

Key Tracks from Blackwater James: "Midnight Train," "Stone Cold," "All Fired Up," "Rock Steady," "Wake Me"

Check out Blackwater James more at: http://www.myspace.com/blackwaterjames and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blackwater-James/22646240861#!/pages/Blackwater-James/22646240861?v=info      

Frequency

Hey all, I hope you all had a great Easter and/or Passover (Pesach to those of you who read my blog in Israel lol). I myself filled up to popping-point on matzaball soup, and am all the better for it haha. 

I just wanted to address the frequency of my posts, which to some, may seem to waning. I want to assure you all that I have no intention of stopping writing my blog. However, I have realized that it might be better to move to a different style format. By this I mean, I think it would be more beneficial to the blog, to the artists, and to you guys (and girls) if I posted perhaps once every two to three weeks. It wold then be like a real news publication like Rolling Stone, but without any of the unnecessary fluff. Once I get my own domain, too, which I am planing to do sometime this year, I will be able to expand the blog beyond just reviews into interviews, and maybe even pictures and videos. Be patient all, it'll be worth the wait, I promise.

The last reason I think the blog would be better with a posting frequency of every couple of weeks is so is because then I as the writer am under less pressure to meet a looming deadline, and so am able to find the best artists I can for you all. The articles themselves, as well, will benefit, because they will be more in depth (I will try this very much), and they will be better written. 

I hope you all understand where I am coming from. I started this blog really just for me, because I was so sick of the big publications not talking about the music. But it's grown into something I never could have imagined, and it's definitely not something that I am going to stop doing. I just need a little time and slack to figure out the kinks so I can make it a better site for the artists and all of you.

Thanks for your time guys, and I promise someone new soon. Keep rockin'. Peace.

Have You Seen My Ghost?

It's been just over two weeks since I last gave you guys a new band and I for that do apologize. Things have been crazy, so I hope you won't hold it against me, but just to let everyone know what exactly has been so crazy, I GOT INTO BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY! It's been a hard college application process, but guys, if you set your mind to something, nothing can get in your way. Hopefully this means I'll be writing you guys new articles from Boston next year, but we'll just have to wait and see.
Anyway, I'm trying to find new ways to expand New Rock News 43, and some ideas that are coming to mind are interviews and a new site. While it's still on the drawing board, if I do get my own domain I'll be sure to let you all know, and rest assured it'll definitely rock and certainly be worth the wait.

First though, I know you guys are all salivating at the mouth for someone new to check out, so here's my update for tonight. Also, let me say that the Red Jumpsuit/Fit For Rivals show was AMAZING. An awesome headliner with great opening bands, this show was definitely one to see, so if the tour's coming anywhere near you, I highly recommend going. One of the things that was a pleasant surprise was one of the opening acts on the bill: Have You Seen My Ghost. Now, I went to see Red Jumpsuit and Fit For Rivals (who I met and are by the way awesome guys (and girl) and gave a sick performance), but Have You Seen My Ghost themselves gave a great set, and just really impressed me.

If I were pressed, I'd describe their music as somewhat of a mix between emo-punk and and screamo-rock. Just an interesting blend in itself. Consisting of members Lee (bass and vocals), Grayson (guitar and vocals) and Eric (drums), HYSMG come from right here in Marietta, Georgia, and are definitely a different flavor of rock for you. That's one of my golden rules though, like I keep repeating here: I want something that's different. Make me love you, or make me hate you; either one is better than just being mediocre.
After releasing the Red and White EP's, HYSMG released the Black EP in late 2009, and that's the one I'll be talking about today. Consisting of three songs, it's a short and powerful zap to my system. The first song I listen to from the Black EP is "Gravity," a curious track that falls somewhere between emo-pop and hardcore punk rock. The song readily starts with a heavily melodic guitar note section as the rhythm section provided by Lee and Eric just smacks you around in the best way possible. Grayson's guitar, meanwhile, is ambient, plucking notes that have amazing staying power in my mind. Then there is the unique vocal dynamic between Grayson and Lee: rather than the traditional, Blink-182-style dynamic, they both do soft and hardcore vocals, and the song definitely benefits because of it. One other aspect of this song I absolutely love is its change in pace and rhythm. Moving away from the regular pop-song format, HYSMG change it up using the Pixies' quiet/loud dynamic, and it is just a song that keeps me on the edge of my seat. I love it.
Track two is "Goodbye My Friend." This one is just as melodic as the first, but in a slower kind of way. Grayson's guitar is so eerie, and Lee's bass is powerful enough to drive the whole song. Eric's drums, meanwhile, scale themselves back a bit, and the song just launches into a blasting, powerful chorus. This song is incredibly catchy, and I just know it's going to stick in my head all night. The vocals are stripped down, but still raw enough to really feel the emotion, and like its predecessor, "Goodbye My Friend" makes fantastic uses of changes of rhythm and tone. Definitely not a filler track on this EP.
The last song I listen to, and indeed the last one on the EP is appropriately titled "The End." As the song begins, immediately it's an acquired taste. Lee's and Grayson's vocals are harsh and unforgiving, already baring to me the emotional feel that I'm going to get from the song. I love it. The drums and bass are hardcore, and the guitar is searing in its approach. I feel like I did when I heard Slayer and Pantera for the first time. A far-flung differentiation from The Doors' "The End," HYSMG inject this track with some death-metal vocals that are counterbalanced by smooth, emo-pop voices. A truly unique take on what hardcore emo can be. Do I love the song? I don't know, but I love that it's something new and abnormal. And while Eric's drums and Lee's bass pound along in an unforgiving way, Grayson's guitar chords are creepy as hell and surreal, and if you're looking for a song to totally uproot everything you know, or think you knew, about punk and metal, this is it.
This EP is amazing, and the fact that Have You Seen My Ghost can do more with three songs than many people can do with eleven is a testament to how creative these guys truly are. Not to mention the fact that these guys gave a great show. That's just icing on the cake. If you're looking for a new group who are constantly pushing the boundaries on their sound, I highly recommend checking these guys out. They're definitely not a group you can become bored with. Fantastic.

Sounds Like: Alexisonfire, Gallows, Pixies, Slayer

Key Tracks from the Black EP: "Gravity," "Goodbye My Friend," "The End"

Check out Have You Seen My Ghost more at: http://www.myspace.com/haveyouseenmyghost and http://www.purevolume.com/haveyouseenmyghost

Break

I'm sorry for my break all. I desperately needed to rest my mind and with college stuff getting serious right now, it's been really busy. But I promise a whole slew of new bands soon. Peace all.

Watching the Holiday Parade

Like it always seems to be these days, it's been a few days since I posted, but just like all the times before, I promise I have a good reason. Never mind that I was in a job interview all day (which continues this week too, by the way lol), but I've been taking my time finding some new groups because I'm trying to broaden the reach of my posts in terms of sound and genre.

So that's enough of me droning on, let's get to the important stuff. The story today (or tonight perhaps) is Holiday Parade, a four-piece that I am proud to say comes from right here in Atlanta, Georgia. Comprising members Andy Albert (vocals and acoustic guitar), Michael Whitworth (guitar and keys), Joel Merritt (bass), and Kenny Muto (guitar), Holiday Parade's sound is a great blend of easy pop-rock melodies with nice rhythms that leaves nothing to be desired. As of yet, Holiday Parade have released four albums: Two Cheers for Tuesday in '06, This Is My Year in '07, and To You. From Us. in '08. The one that I want to focus on, however, is their most recent ambition, Tickets & Passports released in April of 2009. Like tracks I've listened to on their earlier albums, the tracks on Tickets & Passports are solid rock songs, but seem more of a realization in terms of top-notch production and great mixing. Sometimes production can be over-the-top, as in cases when punk-rock is too polished and loses its flavor. But for the type of music they clearly love to play, Holiday Parade put out an album on which the production is one of the shining aspects and a big plus.

The first song I listen to from the album is "Nothing Personal." A tightly laid out track in itself, "Nothing Personal" boasts a great beat and rhythm with melodic, stick-in-your-head vocals and guitar riffs that you'll go to bed humming. Albert's vocals are a brilliant storm of melody and emotion, and mix fantastically with Whitworth's and Muto's guitars. In the back, among solid drumbeats, Merritt's bass can be clearly heard setting a driving tone for the song. I particularly like the overlapping vocals towards the end of the song. This is not an overly complicated song, but it works so well that it doesn't need to be. The most punk-rock thing that anyone can do is create more with less, and here Holiday Parade branch the piano-pop-rock sound in new directions with the simple chemistry of guitar, bass, and vocals. A great song, and my choice for a great single. The fact that it's radio-friendly is just a plus in the marketing light.

Track two for me is "Time for Me," and from the first notes on Whitworth's piano, I love the way this song is going. Like the previous track, it's simple in it's composure, but that doesn't stop it from having a great, driving chorus. Albert's vocals are clear and crisp, and among Whitworth's and Muto's brilliant guitar interplay, rest lightly on the ear in just the way that they should. I love the bridge in this song, and the interlude is a great way to keep the song moving in a non-repetitive way. Merritt's bass is a bit more in the background here, but by no means absent. It keeps the chorus flowing nicely, and lies perfectly between Whitworth's and Muto's guitars while providing a perfect stage for Albert's vocals. Definitely one of the best songs on the record in my humble opinion.

The last song that I listen to is the title track. This six-minute track is a masterpiece on the album: with smooth, emotional vocals, and lyrics that actually talk about something relevant, it's certainly one of Holiday Parade's best efforts. Albert's vocals and guitar are at their very best here, and against an easy drumbeat, Merritt's bass makes a grand stand, letting itself be known without drowning out the melody of the song. Combined with Whitworth's guitar and keys, and Muto's own guitar notes, "Tickets & Passports" is the power-ballad to hear on this album. With a rhythm befitting its romantic lyrics and melody, all four members of Holiday Parade combine their talents on this last track to dazzle the ears with a storm of notes and keys, melody and emotion. The song is so well done, even the ending is one of the high points, with a fade-out on piano keys and snare-drum beats. I absolutely love this track, and it's definitely one of the five-star songs on the album. Brilliant. 

You guys gotta definitely check these guys out, and here's the perfect chance at the end of the week: Holiday Parade and Seven Story Fall are playing a FREE acoustic show at North Point Mall on Friday, March 12th, and I'll certainly be there. I believe they'll also be playing again with SSF as Masquerade on the 20th, but unfortunately I won't be able to attend. But that doesn't mean you guys can't, and I'm telling you, these guys, with Seven Story Fall, AND Freshmen 15 (on the 20th at Masquerade), those aren't shows you're gonna want to miss. I absolutely can't wait to see them this Friday, that concert's gonna rock.

Sounds Like: Waking Ashland, Mayday Parade, Secondhand Serenade, All Time Low

Key Tracks from Tickets & Passports: "Nothing Personal," "Time for Me," "Tickets & Passports," "Forever"

Check out Holiday Parade more at: http://www.myspace.com/holidayparade and http://www.facebook.com/HolidayParade?v=info#!/HolidayParade?v=wall     

Hey You, Columba

It's been a few days since my last post, and I hope you guys have been checking out all the new people I've had up; they're all really incredible, and if you haven't heard them yet, you're definitely missing out. Anyway, I'm here today to let you guys know about a new band I just found, and I gotta say they're truly amazing.

Out of Glasgow, Scotland, U.K., Columba are an indie-rock four-piece that blend the blues guitar of Clapton and Beck with the indie, Brit-pop vocal melodies of Oasis and Blur. A truly unique melding of two completely different styles, yet one that works so well it makes me wonder why I haven't really heard it yet up until now. Composed of Jamie Davidson (lead vocals), John Carson (lead guitar and backing vocals), Scott Campbell (bass), and Tony Osborne (drums), Columba's melodies tie in with hypnotic rhythms to produce the Smashing Pumpkins in bed with Oasis and Cream.

It hasn't evaded my attention that I've been throwing out numerous, seemingly contradictory comparisons, but being as truthful as I can be, these guys just seem to have influences from bands across he board, and with the sound they produce, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The first song I listen to from Columba's demo EP is "Before the Time." Starting with a solid drum beat by Osborne, the song launches straight into a melodic trance as Carson soon blends bluesy chords and notes with Campbell's strong bass notes. One of the things I love in this song that I hope I hear on the other ones is Carson's blending of acoustic guitar with electric. With an almost ridiculous air, Carson's guitars meld brilliantly to make me think there are two guitarists, and then I hear Davidson's vocals, loud, clear, and brilliant. It's like hearing "Champagne Supernova" again, but with a harder, more blues-rock backbone. This is truly one of the best songs on the EP. Everything is right: Campbell's bass is tight and strong next to Osborne's rhythmic drums, Carson's guitar is loud and melodic, and Davidson's vocals just serenade you into a hypnotic trance of indie and pop. And just when I think the song's going to wind down to a soft end, Carson shoots it back full of life with a shining guitar riff that gives the song a perfect ending. One thing I can hear clearly on this song, these guys are tight and know how to play with each other, and it definitely comes through on their music.

Track two is "Hey You," a slower, more bluesy, almost country-esque song. But Davidson's vocals and the rhythm section of Campbell and Osborne make sure this is not a song that gets categorized with Rascal Flatts or The Avett Brothers. Carson's guitar once again just bleeds through the speakers surrounding me in melodic chords and sharp notes. These guys definitely picked the right guitarist for their band, and he's right on the money in this song. Meanwhile, Davidson's vocals are sultry and hypnotic, and just wash through my mind in a way that none really have since I first heard Oasis. Now although I'm not a huge Oasis fan, you gotta admit that their vocals are pretty good, so this isn't meant to be a dig at these guys for having a bit of an Oasis influence because they make it work for them. Then there's Osborne, who's drumming is minimalist it seems, but the song is only better for it, and Campbell, whose bass seems to whisper its notes, but that's what makes his technique great. The mark of a really great rhythm section is knowing how to carry the song and make your mark without overpowering the melody, and Columba's certainly achieved that here. This is definitely my pick for my favorite song on the EP. No contest.

The last song I listen to is "Right Here." As the last chords of "Hey You" trail out, "Right Here" starts with an interesting, almost weird acoustic chord set and electric riff from Carson. Then Davidson's vocals come in, and it's creepy almost how much they sound like Billy Corgan meets Liam Gallagher. Then as the acoustic guitar fades out, Campbell and Osborne appear in the background, giving the song a great rhythm section to fit nicely over Carson's blues guitar chords. Of the three songs I listen to, this one is definitely the most different of them, but Columba make it work for them, and I can't resist this one the same way I can't resist "Hey You" or "Before the Time."Like many of the songs that have drawn me to the groups I've reviewed, this is one that just pulls me in. It's so all-encompassing that you forget that anything else but the song exists. Certainly one of the must-hear, more interesting songs on Columba's EP.
With these three songs heading up their EP, Columba produce an album that's different and unique, and definitely worth listening to. If you like anything indie, acoustic, blues, or pop-rock, then these guys are your assignment for the next few days. You won't be sorry. I'm sure as hell not.

Sounds Like: Oasis, Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, Blur

Key Tracks from Columba EP: "Before the Time," "Hey You," "Right Here"

Check out Columba more at: http://www.unsigned.com/columba